Are you looking for good ambiance, traditional snacks and conquering drinks? Here is a list of the best cantinas in CDMX; legendary places that continue to offer memorable moments to those who visit them.
1. The Golden Lion
Located in the Escandón neighborhood, El León de Oro is a cantina that has been in operation since 1954; diners will find history and tradition in the food, design and ambiance. It is also a meeting point for those looking to party or a place to live out their nostalgia. And here there is live music to the sound of norteños and mariachis. Take into account that this cantina in CDMX is family-owned. You can consult the menu at this link.
josé Martí 103, local A, Escandón, Miguel Hidalgo.
🕛 Monday to Wednesday and Saturday from 11:00 to 23:30. Thursday and Friday from 11:00 to 00:30 and Sunday from 13:00 to 21:00.
2. Salon Spain
Near Templo Mayor, in the Historic Center, is one of the most traditional cantinas in CDMX. Salón España is a place that has been providing service for more than 100 years. The best thing is that in their drinks menu you will find 193 varieties of tequila, wines and liquors. This is one of the favorite places to have a drink, listen to music or watch a sports game. Please note that the snacks change every day and you can consult the menu by clicking here here.
luis González Obregón 25, Centro, Cuauhtémoc.
🕛 Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 00:00. Sunday from 11:00 to 18:30.
3. The Moctezuma plume
In the heart of Colonia Guerrero, you will find El Penacho de Moctezuma, a legendary restaurant and bar. In addition to a varied selection of spirits, wines and cocktails, the menu offers delicious Mexican dishes with a special emphasis on meat cuts. We recommend ordering the beef sabanita. Here there is live music to liven up your visit. You should know that it is a family-run canteen.
📍 Eje 1 142, Guerrero, Cuauhtémoc.
🕛 Monday to Sunday from 13:00 to 22:00.
4. La Jalisciense
A pure Jalisco style site in the Downtown Tlalpan. This cantina in the south of Mexico City opened its doors in 1870 and, since then, has received great personalities from the world of art, politics and sports. In this place you will enjoy classic beers and drinks accompanied by exquisite dishes and snacks such as: Camarón broth, paella and cod throughout the year. Please note that paella is only served on Fridays and Saturdays. Be careful, minors are not allowed here.
📍 Plaza de la Constitución 6, Tlalpan Centro I, Tlalpan.
🕛 Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 23:30.
5. La Faena
One of the most famous cantinas in the Centro Histórico CDMX is, without a doubt, La Faena. It is a combination of a bar and a bullfighting museum that exhibits paintings, ornaments and costumes of the Mexican fiesta brava. The 20th century architecture and design will transport you back to nostalgic times where the bartender served “la del estribo” for those seeking to heal heart wounds. On the beverage menu: Spanish brandies, draft beers and commercial labels, tequilas, vodkas and more. Snacks will not be missing at the table.
venustiano Carranza 49, Centro, Cuauhtémoc.
🕛 Monday and Tuesday from 12:00 to 18:00. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 to 20:00. Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 00:00.
6. The Opera House
On 5 de Mayo Avenue, in the Historic Center, is La Ópera. It is one of the most beloved bars, as it was visited by Porfirio Díaz, his wife Carmelita Romero and the Minister of Finance José Ivés Limantour, as well as other political figures of the twentieth century. Also, art, journalism and literature personalities such as Gabriel García Márquez or Jacobo Zabludosky visited this cantina. One of the main features is the emblematic shot that General Francisco Villa fired into the ceiling. Yes, it is still marked at The Opera. You can consult the menu here.
📍 5 de mayo 10, Centro, Cuauhtémoc.
🕛 Monday to Saturday from 13:00 to 00:00. Sunday from 13:00 to 18:00.
7. The Golden Rooster
Founded in 1874, El Gallo de Oro is one of the oldest cantinas in the CDMX. Located in downtown CDMX, it was characterized for gathering the bullfighting community. Today it is a meeting point for those who are looking for a party, a toast among friends, a soccer game and a big meal. It should be noted that, for the most part, the dishes served here are a tribute to Spanish food.
venustiano Carranza 35, Centro, Cuauhtémoc.
🕛 Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 23:00.
8. Tenampa Room
A must stop for those in Plaza Garibaldi is Salón Tenampa. For more than 90 years this has been the perfect place to listen to mariachi, drink and cry a few tears of sorrow. This site has been part of Mexican movies such as“El Potrero” by Mario Moreno “Cantinflas”. Among the frequent customers of this site are major celebrities: José Alfredo Jiménez, Chavela Vargas and Lola Beltrán. Read more about the history and the menu here.
📍 Plaza Garibaldi 12, Centro, Cuauhtémoc.
🕛 Sunday to Wednesday from 14:00 to 2:00. Thursday to Saturday from 14:00 to 3:00.
9. La Peninsular
La Peninsular ‘s license dates back to 1871 (according to the Mexico City government), making it one of the first cantinas in CDMX. Like other bars of the time, only men were allowed in. It was not until 1982 when the government of the then Federal District ordered mixed access. Today this cantina is an ideal place to watch sports games, enjoy Mexican snacks and have a good drink.
📍 Alhóndiga 26, local 4, Centro, Cuauhtémoc.
🕛 Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Thursday from 9:00 to 21:30.
10. Time Out Canteen
This is one of the new bartending proposals in Mexico City. Cantina Tiempo Fuera is a modern spot where you can listen to all kinds of music: cumbias, salsas and even reggaeton. In the last few months it has become the perfect place for celebrate birthdays or simply the end of a working day. The best part is that you will listen to live regional music: mariachi, norteños, banda, among others. We recommend ordering the marrow with esquites and the chamorro, a delight! More details here.
insurgentes Sur 1677, Guadalupe Inn, Álvaro Obregón.
🕛 Monday and Tuesday from 13:00 to 23:00. Wednesday to Saturday from 13:00 to 1:00. Sunday from 12:00 to 20:00.
11. El Gallo de Oro in southern Mexico City
South of CDMX there are also cantinas worth visiting. A clear example is El Gallo de Oro, one of the oldest bars that started its service in 1989. Its founders: Edgar Márquez Zamora and Emilia Cardenas Mendez started selling carnitas and barbacoa. Currently, the menu offers Mexican dishes; from mole to beef cuts. Breakfasts are from 10:00 to 12:00. The most popular drinks on the beverage menu are: stones, micheladas and ball indentation. You should know that this is a family-run canteen, they even have children’s area. El Gallo de Oro is a perfect option to dance to the rhythm of versatile music (on Fridays), as well as to enjoy entertainment shows.
📍 Violeta 1 A, San Pedro Mártir, Tlalpan.
🕛 Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 20:00. Friday from 10:00 to 1:00, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 20:00.